For used look at the Kenwood D700, D719 and V71. The first two have aprs built in and the configuration of the data port on the V71 works much better for APRS than the FT8800/8900. The 8800/8900 data port always transmits on the active side of the radio which means you can't really put APRS on one side and use Voice on the other. V71 can lock the data port to either side of the radio so that the other side can be used for voice. The V71 can also be configured to do single direction Crossband as well as full cross band and has built in IDing.
I like my Yaesu HT and HF radios but kenwood has the mobile radio better dialed in IMO. Just which Kenwood release a new mobile as D700/D710/V71 are all out of production.
Leonard K. Pennock
AD7AS
Those who walk bravely through life, unafraid of loss or failure,
find that they very rarely lose or fail.
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On 3/12/24 1:39 PM, Patricia KI7IEE wrote:
I know I'm skewing a bit off topic, but I'd appreciate input from my few fellow Yaesu fans.
I want a simple dual band mobile radio for the car. I'd prefer to stick with Yaesu to minimize learning curve, but open to other ideas. Budget is limited. Sub 500 max, preferably sub 400. I'd prefer a true dual band, compatible with APRS / GPS or easily enabled with add ons, compact size, readable screen. Cross band repeat = bonus.
I currently have a Yaesu 857 (shack, go kit) and 817 (as backup). I have a Surface Go tablet that could be mounted in car, and a Digirig, and my cable would work with FT8800/8900.
New radios
- FT300 (does it all, dual band, GPS TxRx, BT, crossband) ~$475 shipped
- FT200 (not truly dual band, no GPS Tx w/o dongle?) ~$375 shipped - price is the only appeal here
Used radios
- FT8800 (enable digital modes via Digirig + tablet) ~ $300-400 - I like the clear and simple display and positive reviews
- Another 817 or 857 (+Digirig+tablet) - getting hard to find either for <$650-750, but I could keep looking for a deal
- Jump ship and look for a kenwood D710?or similar for ~ $400
- Just use my 817 as mobile and rig it so it can be easily removed from the car
What appeals to you? What do you run?
Thanks for your time. 73
